Colours of the Rainbow

Images, eqnz.chch.2010

Christchurch "New Zealand" architecture building "Demolition of old Millers building" demolition detail rubbleDemolition started on the old Millers building on a walk around Christchurch May 6, 2013 New Zealand. The building was originally designed in 1935 by G. A. Hart for the retail store, factory and warehouse Millers and was completed in 19...

BeckerFraserPhotos November 2011 photograph 222

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Colourful containers in Re:Start Mall.

BeckerFraserPhotos March 2012 photograph 096

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Students from Avonside Girls High School eating lunch outside their temporary library building, built since the earthquake. The photograph has been captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "The new buildings are low and brightly painted in strong colours. The mood is similar to the Container Mall Re:Start, with bright colours, low ceilings, and a spacious layout".

BeckerFraserPhotos April 2011 photograph 850

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A collage of photographs captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "Port-a-loos come in many colours".

BeckerFraserPhotos June 2012 photograph 268

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Photograph captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "The gay colours of the Cashel Mall Re:Start viewed from the roof of the Ibis Hotel".

Paul and Sam Corliss's Street Art Photograph (2015:03:27 12:51:54)

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of street art on a support pillar of the Durham Street overbridge. The artwork depicts tag writing in shades of pink, surrounded by previously written tag art in various other colours.

Reinforcing Memory: Embracing a Neurodivergent Perspective to Stitch Chris…

Research papers, The University of Auckland Library

The seismic tremor that shook Christchurch on February 22, 2011, not only shattered buildings but also the spirit of the city’s residents. Amidst the ruins, this design-focused thesis unravels two intertwining narratives, each essential to the city’s resurrection. At its core, this thesis probes the preservation of Christchurch’s memory and character, meticulously chronicling the lost heritage architecture and the subsequent urban metamorphosis. Beyond bricks and mortar, it also confronts the silent aftershocks - the pervasive mental health challenges stemming from personal losses and the disfigured cityscape. As a native of Christchurch, intimately connected to its fabric, my lens reflects not just on the architectural reconstruction but also on the emotional reconstruction. My experience as an autistic individual, a recently discovered facet of my identity, infuses this design journey with a distinct prism through which I perceive and interact with the world. The colourful sketches that drive the design process aren’t mere illustrations but manifestations of my interpretation of spaces and concepts, evoking joy and vitality—a testament to embracing diversity in design. Drawing parallels between healing my own traumas with my colourful and joyful neurodivergent worldview, I’ve woven this concept into proposals aimed at healing the city through whimsy, joy, and vibrant colours. Personal experiences during and post-earthquakes profoundly shape my design proposals. Having navigated the labyrinth of my own mental health amid the altered cityscape, I seek avenues for reconciliation, both personal and communal. The vibrant sketches and designs presented in this thesis encapsulate this vision—a fusion of vivid, unconventional interpretations and a dedication to preserving the essence of the original cityscape while still encouraging movement into the future.